Accra: The Ghana Chamber of Shipping, under the auspices of the Ministry of Transport, convened a one-day stakeholder forum to address the current challenges and future opportunities within Ghana's maritime transport sector. The forum aimed to foster dialogue among key players in the maritime, logistics, and transport sectors to enhance operational transparency and competitiveness.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event, themed 'Streamlining Ghana's Maritime Transport and Logistics Sector for Transparency, Efficiency, and Competitiveness,' gathered participants from government agencies, private sector operators, regulators, maritime experts, and civil society. Madam Jemilat Mahamah, Vice President of the Ghana Chamber of Shipping, highlighted that efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness are the three pillars essential for the future of Ghana's maritime sector.
Madam Mahamah emphasized the importance of the forum for developing practical solutions and collaborative strategies, aiming to transform Ghana's maritime sector into one characterized by streamlined processes, transparent governance, and robust competition. She noted the sector's critical role in trade, revenue generation, job creation, and connecting Ghana to the global supply chain. Highlighting the significance of the Tema and Takoradi ports, she pointed out that these ports handle the majority of Ghana's seaport trade, with Tema acting as a gateway for both Ghanaian trade and landlocked countries in West Africa.
Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, the Minister for Transport, whose speech was delivered by Deputy Minister Madam Dorcas Affo-Toffey, reiterated the sector's importance as a facilitator of commerce and a driver of national revenue, regional integration, and industrial competitiveness. He stressed the need for regular forums to review progress, keep pace with global trends, and share experiences. Mr. Nikpe pointed out the challenges faced by the sector, including high transaction costs, complex cargo delivery processes, and inefficiencies that impact competitiveness and operational costs.
The minister noted that embracing technology and best practices could help address these challenges and provide opportunities for sustainable solutions. He emphasized the importance of collaboration across the value chain, aligning with the Government's Resetting Agenda and policies such as the 24-Hour Economy Policy.
Mr. Stanley K. Ahulu, President of the Ghana Chamber of Shipping, stated that the chamber, established in 2018, aims to influence policy discussions between the private and public sectors. He mentioned that the forum would generate recommendations for the ministry on sectoral issues, including the need for a comprehensive national maritime transport policy, a practical regulatory framework, and an independent regulatory environment.
Mr. Ahulu also highlighted the necessity of improving the competitiveness of Ghana's ports by focusing on factors like vessel turnaround time, cargo dwell time, port productivity, tariffs, logistics costs, connectivity, and governance.
